“Get your face in front of people.” This action step inevitably comes up when brainstorming ways for clients to get traction on an idea. For some people it comes naturally and for others it’s a challenge. It’s much easier in our internet age to hide behind social media and e-mails to try to attract new […]

Are you the type of person who walks into a room full of strangers and thinks to themselves “Yeah! 50 new friends! Or, ughh I hate small talk!”? For a great majority of entrepreneurs they didn’t realize when they decided to make their passion their business some of the fear inducing situations that come along […]

“I have always dreamt of…” My second favourite conversations start with those five little words. The conversations usually occur at a time in our lives when we realise we are no longer satisfied with what we have created and start asking ourselves “there must be some other way.” There seems to be a path that […]

Blog Authors

Chelsie Aichelberger enjoys working in a fast-paced, dynamic marketing and communications role. Currently, she is the Marketing Manager for the North American division of Vector Aerospace – a helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul company.

At Vector Chelsie develops and implements annual marketing plans and is involved in high-level strategic planning to help Vector reach its company goals.

Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Chelsie loves the outdoors whether she is hiking, camping, surfing or on a long distance run.

Carolyn is a producer and project manager who is currently completing her Masters in Digital Media. She is interested building interactive experiences that communicate stories about history, science, art and culture.

Before the program, Carolyn spent the greater part of a decade working agency side on client side. During these years, she brought a number of retail brands into the online space for the first time. In her spare time Carolyn likes to read books, explore Vancouver, eat Pho, and work on building the space she calls home.

A media and events professional for the past 10 years, Tamara has worked as a PR Consultant, Wedding Planning Assistant, On-Air radio personality, Music Director and is currently the Senior Promotions Coordinator for CKNW News Talk 980 and AM730 Traffic as well taking on the role as Corporate Event Planner for CORUS Radio Vancouver. Tamara is also a published author with her debut novel 'Daughter of the Moon' produced by Influence Publishing, where Tamara is also an event planning consultant working with her fellow authors to produce their dream book launch events.

Outside of work, Sarah volunteers with YES! Vancouver as their Communications Director, where she is responsible for leading the strategy and implementation for YES’ internal and external communications, including e-communications to Members, web content and all social media activities. In the little spare time she has left, Sarah lets her creative juices flow by providing graphic design and social media consulting services.

When she's not at work or online, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, skiing, checking out live music, cheering on the Canucks, and trying out new restaurants.

Writer, connector, collaborator Gabrielle Garon is on a simple mission to live a life of value, not of success. An avid learner, Gabrielle is passionate about being an influencer and an advocate for change, personal growth, and satisfying those frivolous curiosities about what makes each of us tick. Gabrielle’s been writing since she could print and has future plans to pen a novel, among other things. As a feature writer at NetworkingInVan, Gabrielle is eager to share her perspectives and experiences when it comes to building a brand, a career, and overcoming obstacles along the way.

Gabrielle’s favourite networking events are ones where she can socialize, learn something new, and have a glass of wine – not necessarily in that order!

The best networking advice Gabrielle has to offer is to “Always be a first rate version of yourself rather than a second rate version of someone else.” – Judy Garland.

With over 17 years of experience in the design industry, Karolyn enjoys providing clients with creative designs while building long lasting relationships along the way.

With a background in advertising, marketing and project management in the design agency world coupled with her background in art direction, graphic design and copy editing in the media industry, Karolyn is well equipped to create outstanding results for her clients. Her study of psychology compliments my interest in understanding each of my client’s project goals and outcomes.

Karolyn also believes in giving back. A big part of her life is sharing and educating others about the world of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). It is an area that is close to her heart. She is a mother of two amazing little people who she enjoys watching grow and learning all of what life has to offer.

Trevor Turnbull is an Online Reputation Strategist, Linkedin Trainer and Keynote Speaker that has educated thousands of Entrepreneurs, Business Professionals and Job Seekers on how to get REAL results from LinkedIn.

Over the past 3 years, Trevor has worked closely with Linkedin expert Lewis Howes and has conducted hundreds of educational webinars on the topic of LinkedIn. His "non-techie" teaching style and extensive background in traditional and online sales & marketing has provide him with the real world knowledge of how to apply LinkedIn strategies that are easy to implement and provide maximum return on time invested.

As a thought leader on the topic of LinkedIn, Trevor has been hired by numerous Fortune 500 companies including General Motors, Raymond James and Bank of Montreal and has been quoted in many major publications including Forbes and Entrepreneur.com.

Company and Position: Associate - Royal Bank of Canada’s (RBC) Career Launch Program

Fave Networking Events: Although I do not have a specific preference as to the ‘type’ of event, I tend to try and gravitate towards those events that allow me to meet entrepreneurs and innovators. More specifically, events where I can meet people that are passionate about creating something new and exciting, regardless of the field or industry. Also, events where inspirational stories are told!

Darya Niknamian is a Marketing & Communications consultant/freelancer with experience working with social enterprises and finance firms. She is passionate about building community engagement and social innovation which is why she formerly was the co-lead for a networking event called Founder Friday hosted through Women 2.0. Originally born in Germany but moving to Canada at the age of 6, Darya grew up loving the outdoors and still continues to incorporate two of her favourite things when the weather co-operates - hiking and listening to podcasts. When she is not working, she is frequently invited to wine and cheese events, as her strong dislike for cheese ensures her friends get more!